Praying Together -- Students from around the Diocese pray during the 2017 Catholic Schools Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., Oct. 12 in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. Craig Pittelli photo

Leaving no doubt about the importance of faith in the lives of young people, Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., opened his homily at the annual Catholic Schools Mass Oct. 12 with a focus on how three children served as messengers of conversion and peace for the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima.

Catholic Charities’ Ocean Community Services in Lakewood has received a $5,000 grant from OceanFirst Foundation of Toms River in order to help meet the basic needs of veterans and local service men and women – active and retired – and their families who are struggling financially.

Youngsters and their families received a hands-on lesson in creation as more than 30 children rubbed elbows – and a few ears and chins – with farm animals after a lesson on Genesis.

“There are few channels for the little ones to learn about Jesus and hear stories from the Bible unless parents take the time to teach them,” said Father Roy Aris B. Ballacillo, parochial vicar in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford. “Our Littlest Disciples Ministry is a wonderful way to bridge the gap from infancy to Holy Communion, serving not only as a source of fellowship, but also as a way of introducing little children to the love of Jesus in a safe and enjoyable setting.”